The duo announced a partnership Tuesday to pursue the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System solicitation to replace the current contractor. MHS is a competition of sorts slotted to commence in January 2015 and for a contract beginning in 2017.

To compete, a design must be equipped with specific features and meet certain performance requirements. Par for course, the Army is looking for a handgun that can be adjusted to fit all hand sizes and is optimized for improved overall performance.

The M&P is designed with a reinforced polymer chassis, modular ergonomic grip, ambidextrous controls, and drop safety features.

The U.S. armed forces adopted the M9 in 1985 and aside from a few new aesthetic features, the design has remained relatively unchanged. The hammer-fired handgun is equipped with a metal frame, cutout slide design and has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds.

Both General Dynamics and Smith & Wesson have had their fair share of government contracts. Smith’s M&P is currently used by U.S. and law enforcement agencies worldwide, and General Dynamics runs the gamut in making ammunition, weapons and vehicles.